Sunday, September 30, 2012

Game 9: Details

Melrose remained unbeaten with a workmanlike performance at Stoneham. Melrose had expended a lot of energy earlier in the week, and the Spartans had done the same the previous day against AC in a losing cause.

Perhaps as a result, neither team had the anticipated crispness we expected.

Melrose took the lead early in set one and never trailed. The Lady Raiders had only eight kills as Stoneham had trouble with serve-receive and the other platform skills.

From 7-4, Melrose went on a six point run with Brooke Bell serving, a springboard to an 18-7 lead. Melrose coasted in for a 25-11 set edge.

Kayla Wyland had a couple of early kills and Brooke Bell spread it around.

The second set saw a tale of two halves. Melrose went up 12-2, with Sarah McGowan en fuego with Melrose's first six kills. From a 16-5 edge, Melrose proceded to play less focused ball, with Stoneham getting back to 20-13.

Late kills from Rachel Johnson, Cassidy Barbaro, and Sydney Doherty delivered a 25-15 advantage. McGowan had seven kills added by a pair apiece from Jen Cain and Rachel.

Melrose continued to press their edge in set three, looking for a weekend break before a key match against Central Catholic. Stoneham was within 7-6, but Melrose proceeded to capture seventeen of the next twenty-two points to lead 24-11 in a 25-12 rout. McGowan filled up seven kills along the way.

Game analysis: Melrose faced a possible "trap game" between two toughies against the preps and a third, highly anticipated match against Central. The Lady Raiders took care of business and moved on.


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